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August 6, 2020 2:38 pm
Finasteride Is One Of The Few Things Proven To Reverse Hair Loss. It's Also One Of The Most Controversial
Risks, lawsuits, but lots of lovely new hair. Worth it? The Grooming Glossary weighs it all up
04/08/2020
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Grooming is a world filled with jargon, technicalities and insider knowledge – some of it true, a lot of it bluster. That's where the Grooming Glossary comes in: a brand new series that drops the science on the world of skincare and haircare so you can self-care better – and with the know-how to separate the wheat from the chai-infused anti-aging miracle potion. This week, untangling the controversy of finasteride.
October 2016 was a very busy month for Judge John Gleeson. He had more than 1,100 product liability complaints to deal with, and 742 lawsuits. These perhaps weren't the most notable cases in a storied career (the New Yorker prosecuted the mafia crime boss John Gotti, resulting in his conviction, as well as Jordan Belfort, of Wolf Of Wall Street fame) but one of them should have piqued the interest of a large section of men. Gleeson was considering the apparent misdemeanours of Merck & Co: a pharmaceutical heavyweight that had pioneered a shiny new product that was scientifically proven to reverse hair loss. It was called Proscar.
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First developed as a treatment for enlarged prostates – which can cause weak urine streams or, in severe cases, a total inability to pass urine – one unexpected side effect was a thicker hairline that lasted, even in men with male pattern baldness. So, when Proscar went off-patent (the time at which a medication's exclusivity expires, letting other companies muscle in with copies that drive the market price down), Merck & Co announced Propecia was to take its place: a single pill specifically designed to battle baldness.
But there were some unpleasant complications. "There are very vocal groups posting reports online, including organisations describing the collection of side effects as 'the post-finasteride syndrome'," says Dr Edward Maitland Ball, founder and medical director of hair restoration practice The Maitland Clinic. "Research studies have described an incidence of sexual side effects – like loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation – in two to three per cent of men taking finasteride, along with other complaints including low mood, gynaecomastia (male breast enlargement) and 'brain fog', and many people believe that the chances of developing side effects are actually higher than the small number stated."
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Putting an exact figure on that is difficult, though many medical experts (and the leaflet usually accompanying finasteride) believe that the risks are extremely small for most men. What's more, Maitland Ball says the medical community itself is divided on the existence of post-finasteride syndrome entirely. "Some doctors believe that persisting symptoms may be falsely attributed to the drug, explaining that they do not improve upon stopping usage. Now, patients are made aware of this potential risk."
What is unequivocal, though, is that finasteride works. Alongside the topical treatment minoxidil (better known as Regaine) and full hair transplants, it's one of the few hair loss treatments that actually prevents hair loss. Taken as a tablet, it blocks an enzyme – 5-alpha reductase – which ordinarily converts testosterone into a substance called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Left unchecked, DHT binds to hair follicles on the scalp, causing them to shrink, until eventually they're unable to grow new hair. "The action of DHT on the follicles in the scalp is known to be a significant factor contributing to the process of hair loss in male pattern balding," says Maitland Ball.
So keep DHT at bay, and you keep your hair, or so goes the peer-reviewed science – and finasteride seems to be the best at doing the job. "It is generally accepted as the most effective non-surgical treatment for male pattern hair loss, and is most successful when used in the early stages, when there a large numbers of hairs remain," says Maitland Ball. "Therefore the men who tend to respond most impressively to finasteride tend to be in their 20s and 30s, when their hair loss is less advanced. However, older men can still experience significant slowing or even a degree of reversal of their hair loss."
Most cases go without incident, and its accessibility in the market suggests that the majority of men will, generally, be OK. You can buy it using a registered online pharmacy, without a doctor's recommendation or prescription. Face-to-face consultations with a pharmacist are offered, in which the pros and cons can be discussed in-person. You can also visit a special hair loss clinic, like Maitland Ball, who is keen to espouse the impressive results some of his patients have enjoyed: "The thickening can be quite dramatic and impressive, to the point that some of my patients book a hair transplant procedure, but then no longer need it."
And as for the busy Judge's decision? He retired, passing on the case to a colleague in Judge Brian Cogan, who then ruled that several secrets in medical documents of Merck & Co be kept sealed. The company paid out $4.3 million, divided between plaintiffs. They may be in the small minority, but with several noting extremely severe anecdotal risk factors, it's always worth a second opinion.
Verdict: It works for most men, and it's safe for most men. But just in case you're not most men, best to check with an expert first. And, please, don't buy it from pop-up ads or unsolicited emails.
Topic starter
August 6, 2020 3:27 pm
Hair loss can be devastating for some men and women. There are all kinds of remedies and lasers that are supposed to help regrow hair. The pill medications mentioned are potent and the fact that they can be sold o/c might be a problem for some that do not use it correctly. There are side effects that go with these pills also that arent pleasant. They are not for everyone
August 19, 2020 10:26 am
I understand that in this day and age, people want to be as beautiful as they can be. Hair plays a big part in beauty and hair loss can be very devastating for some people. I personally do not like taking a lot of medications just because there could be some bad side effects, so when I can I look for alternative solutions. There are other ways to help hair loss such as hair transplants, wigs or even just shaving your head and remain bald. I personally love the bald look. My fiance started loosing his hair in his late teens and shortly after, he just started shaving his head. I know that to this day he is happier shaving his head everyday than having a bad hairline and taking pills. Our bodies are sacred and we should be very picky with what we put in our bodies.
Topic starter
August 25, 2020 1:07 pm
People also have the capability to wear wigs. The wigs and hairpieces today are superior to waht was available 5 or even 10 years ago. So there are alternatives other than taking oills. Lasers can help to regrow hair in some cases
January 5, 2022 4:28 pm
There are many reasons for hair loss and over the last decade hundreds of remedies have come to surface. Whether it be taking medication orally, or directly on the scalp, as well as hair transplants and wigs. Medications , especially over the counter can be dangerous. There is a specific medication my friend took to get rid of a bald spot and it is so powerful that he cant stop taking it now for the rest of his life. If he comes off of it the hair will immedietely stop growing on its own, where as some medications promotes hair growth for stubborn areas but eventually you can ween off of it.
January 7, 2022 11:32 am
Hair loss can be very hard for people. Sometimes, a person hair defines them and without that it can be very devastating. Hair loss can be from many things like side effects to medicine, hereditary, aging, pregnancy, and alopecia. Nowadays, people can resort to wigs if they are experiencing any hair loss, there are oils that can help with hair growth and supplements that can be taken for hair growth.
October 12, 2022 11:00 pm
My grandmother has alopecia, and she started getting hair transplants several years ago, but they never worked. It is unfortunate that there is no easy permanent solution for hair loss as I know it can be really upsetting to someone's confidence and self image.
October 12, 2022 11:08 pm
@noracrainiectskin-com I agree that as for my personal preference I probably wouldn't take a pill to grow hair if it had a lot of side effects, especially if it hasn't been out for very long. We only get one body so we should take care of it to the best of our ability, and for me the risk wouldn't be worth the reward.
October 12, 2022 11:13 pm
@keyonnastarksiectskin-com I agree that wigs are a great option for people that deal with hair loss. It's not necessarily a permanent solution, but it still offers a great replacement for people that don't want a more serious commitment to a treatment.
October 14, 2022 6:51 pm
Hair loss is something that impacts all the men in my family, and it is unfortunate that so many people have to go through it. Losing your hair can really impact your self esteem and self image. A harsh truth of it is that many of the treatments for hair loss have some serious side effects. Too many people also joke about men who wear wigs like toupees. Those with hair loss just can't win.
October 14, 2022 7:07 pm
@keyonnastarksiectskin-com I agree, hair loss can be devastating for those who distinguish themselves through their hair. Even though wigs are a temporary solution they cannot be worn forever.
October 14, 2022 7:30 pm
@deborahwatersiectskin-com Yes wigs are a temporary solution, but it is unrealistic to wear one every day because of how much work they can take.
October 16, 2022 9:47 am
Hair loss is a cary thing when your not used to it. My dad started getting a U looking shape in his early 20s and decide just to shave it. taking Pills can effect everyone differently. You can use a wig or have a hair loss treatment.
October 16, 2022 9:49 am
@nicoleweberiectskin-com I agree men with hair loss cant win sometimes. Wearing a wig as a man can be weird and embarrassing to some.
October 16, 2022 9:54 am
@lanajacksoniectskin-com Thats so sad for your grandmother and that those treatments didnt work.
May 9, 2023 4:57 pm
my mom has suffered from hair loss due to her chron's disease. she gets very frustrated about it but has been using hair growth treatments and taking supplements. it seems to be working for her well.
May 9, 2023 4:59 pm
@deborahwatersiectskin-com my friends mom wears a wig everyday she goes to work or when she is going to a function. wigs are a great temporary solution
May 11, 2023 3:59 pm
Hair loss can be very devastating, especially if it begins at a younger age. Though there are medications available for helping prevent hair loss, they are not always 100 percent safe for everyone to use. Finasteride is a strong enzyme blocker that though effective, has caused adverse effects in many users. It is important to listen to your body and choose the treatments that work best for it.
May 11, 2023 4:02 pm
@student I agree, I don't think men wearing hair pieces or wigs should be looked down upon. Hair loss is a big struggle for a lot of men and it is important to remember that it can break down someone's self esteem.
November 20, 2023 10:54 am
Hair loss, especially in this day and age when beauty standards are at the highest they may have ever been is so devastating for anyone suffering from it. Many try over the counter solutions, a lot of these "solutions" turn out to be a hoax. There are many topical treatments and pills and shampoos that claim to magically reverse hair loss. I would consider reaching out to a doctor to get a professional opinion before you waste money and time on a product.
November 20, 2023 10:56 am
@cameranriddleiectskin-com Unfortunately, it is less common in men to wear wigs and is even frowned upon. I view this as a double standard being that it is common for women to have extensions and wigs but a man may feel more hesitant and insecure to wear one in fear of being made fun of.
November 20, 2023 10:57 am
@cameranriddleiectskin-com My dad does hair loss treatments and it proves to be the most effective solution for him.
December 1, 2023 8:03 pm
Hair loss is a big problem for a lot of people and people are more open to talk about it now more than ever and there are a great deal of shampoos, serums and much more that promise the client the miracle of hair regrowth. The sad thing about some of these is the dangerous side effects they may have. Hair loss is so devastating to most men that they are willing to run the risk of being negatively affected by them.
December 1, 2023 8:06 pm
@karyssamarleriectskin-com It feels like a double standard. Just a couple of weeks ago, an announcement popped up in my feed for men's toupees and it was shocking to see the amount of people and sadly women were the main one's to comment negatively about it, yet so many women wear extensions and wigs not because they need them but because we think they're nice.
December 1, 2023 8:23 pm
@noracrainiectskin-com Alternatives should always be considered when side effects are uncomfortable or dangerous. The sad thing is that it seems like most of the treatments that seem to work have side effects, and those that claim to be completely safe don't work.
April 23, 2024 3:05 pm
I experienced some hair loss after having COVID. The amount of hair on my hands when I shampooed my hair dramatically increased. I began using a shampoo/conditioner system for hair loss. It helped for a while, then seemed to start again. I went to have my vitamin levels checked, and lo and behold, my iron was low, my b-12 also!
April 25, 2024 1:03 pm
My spouse suffers from male pattern baldness and he's tried products to help reverse this effect. He found that minoxidil helps thicken his beard where he had areas of patchiness within his jawline. This is the extent to which I've seen or experienced anyone trying to reverse this effect in the hair and scalp.
April 25, 2024 1:33 pm
I learned a long time ago that if a medicine has a purpose for something else , don't take it! I took something for my female hormones that was a treatment for prostrate cancer- never again! Have vitamins checked first, and use shampoo products first!
April 25, 2024 1:34 pm
@melissalandersiectskin-com Yes!! I had blood work done and my levels were low too when I noticed my hair shedding
April 25, 2024 6:43 pm
Hair loss is a very difficult thing for people to deal because it lowers self esteem. Luckily there are things to treat hair loss such as hair transplants, oils, medications, and laser treatments. That is defiantly a good solution to boost self confidence.
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